Patient Services
The Lung and Esophageal Cancer Program of UPMC Cancer Centers provides state-of-the-art, evidence-based care to patients with lung cancer by combining the skills and experience of physicians and other health care professionals in an interdisciplinary and coordinated way.
The Program combines clinical and research expertise to offer patients state-of-the-art treatments for this highly prevalent cancer. With special expertise in medical oncology, thoracic surgery, radiation therapy, pulmonary medicine and drug development, the center provides a comprehensive program aimed at prevention, early diagnosis and effective treatment of all stages of lung cancer. The Program maintains one of the nation's leading programs for thoracoscopic surgery -- surgery using small incisions and remote-controlled operating instruments - and conducts clinical research to develop and evaluate promising new treatments. The Program is committed to enhancing both the length and quality of life of the hundreds of patients with lung cancer who are treated at the Program each year.
The Program is comprised of members of the faculty from UPMC, the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The physicians and their assistants, who may include resident medical and nursing staff, evaluate patients. Patients may be referred to the Program upon the recommendation of another provider or may self-refer for a second opinion or screening. Dr. James Luketich, assistant professor and head, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Dr. Joel Greenberger, professor and chairman, Division of Radiation Oncology and Dr. Jill Siegfried, professor and vice chairperson, Department of Pharmacology form the core of the Lung and Esophageal Cancer Program team.
The Lung and Esophageal Cancer Program uses many modalities to fight lung cancer including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Each physician in the Lung and Esophageal Cancer Program is an expert in his or her field affording patients access to the newest surgical technology and treatments such as cutting edge radiotherapy technology as well as enrollment into clinical trials.
New patients should arrange for their medical records to be forwarded prior to their appointment or hand-deliver them the day of their appointment. All patients should hand-carry their radiology films including chest x-rays, CT scans, etc. for the physicians to review. Patients may need to hand-carry their pathology slides to have them reviewed by our expert pathologists. A treatment plan is made through a collaborative effort among the Lung and Esophageal Cancer Program staff, radiologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologist, surgeons and/or pathologists. Patients should allow adequate time for a thorough examination and expect to provide a complete medical history, including current medications.
To schedule an appointment at UPMC Cancer Centers, contact the UPMC Cancer Centers Information and Referral Service at 412-647-2811 or 412-692-4724.
Specific services for lung cancer
- LIFE bronchoscopy is being used as a screening tool for lung cancer in patients with known or previously removed lung cancer or head and neck primary tumors; severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and/or individuals with hemoptysis or positive screening cytologies and negative standard routine bronchoscopic exams.
- Spiral computerized tomography (CT) is available to evaluate patients at increased risk for lung cancer.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning and intraoperative molecular staging using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) are being studied for their utility in staging early (stage I) lung cancer.
- Minimally invasive, video-assisted lobectomy and radiofrequency ablation of isolated lung nodules are under investigation for stage I disease.
- Patients with stage IIIA (N2) disease have access to clinical research, including a University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute-based trial of induction chemotherapy, advanced resection and reconstruction procedures and radiation therapy.
- Newer targeted therapies, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockers, flavopiridol and tyrosine kinase inhibitors are being evaluated in combination with chemotherapy in patients with advanced lung cancer.
- Investigators are evaluating individualized approaches to chemotherapy based on either patient characteristics or tumor characteristics.
- Various innovative measures are routinely employed for palliation of problems associated with advanced (stage IV) disease, including hemoptysis, dyspnea, pleural effusions and obstructive airway tumors. These measures include photodynamic therapy, stents, brachytherapy and video-assisted thoracic surgery for drainage placement.
- Specialized radiation therapy approaches for lung cancer patients are provided through the Department of Radiation Oncology and include state-of-the-art Gamma Knife irradiation for brain metastases, intensity modulated radiation therapy and three-dimensional conformal treatment planning for five-field treatment. In addition, the Department offers high-dose brachytherapy techniques for recurrent disease and new technologies in radioactive seed implantation.
Specific services for esophageal cancer
- Patients are seen by a thoracic oncology team, skilled in combining the most advanced surgical, radiation and medical oncology principles.
- The thoracic oncology team has the most extensive experience nationwide in performing minimally invasive esophagectomies to treat operable esophageal cancer.
- Advanced staging technologies, including the use of ultrasound, minimally invasive procedures, PET and CT scanning and intraoperative RT-PCR are routinely employed in patient care.
- Minimally invasive surgery is a standard of care for patients with stage-appropriate disease.
- Physicians are exploring the use of neoadjuvant therapy in disease management.
- Physicians evaluate individualized and targeted therapies in advanced disease.
- Cases of esophageal cancer are included with other gastrointestinal malignancies. (Colon and Gastrointestinal Cancer Program)
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